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Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/20/2007 5:51:58 PM

Level

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quote:

Two research groups have found different genetic recipes to give ordinary skin cells the power to turn into virtually any kind of human tissue, just as embryonic stem cells do.

If the recipes live up to their promise, they could someday end the ethical debate over embryonic stem cell research — and usher in an era when a person's own cells could be manipulated to mend a broken spinal cord, heal a damaged heart or regenerate other failing tissues.

But in their current state, the recipes are too risky for disease treatment, and even the scientists behind the latest studies cautioned that therapies are still years away. In announcing their discoveries, they emphasized that much more research still needs to be done on stem cells that have been derived from human embryos.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21886974

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RE: Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/20/2007 10:32:26 PM

ownedgirlie

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Oops. Hi Level, I didn't see this and just posted the story a little while ago! Sorry! Great minds, though.

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RE: Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/20/2007 11:30:10 PM

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This stuff still scares me. We have no idea what we are doing, and rushing headlong into it. It seems likely to me to bring a host of horrible problems down the road along with the great benefits. I don't like GM food even, much less screwing with our own genomes. My problems with this stuff is not based on abortion.

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RE: Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/20/2007 11:33:49 PM

ownedgirlie

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I'll try to redirect the thread I started to here. This is what I posted on it:

Not all that long ago, I was in a bit of a heated debate here in the forums, about embryonic stem cell research. My concern was whether or not we could achieve the same or similar results with placenta stem cells, or with any other cells. The question has finally been answered, per this AP story below. There remain issues to work out, but we are on our way to a more effective, more economical approach to addressing such terrible diseases as Parkinsons, Diabetes, and more.

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RE: Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/21/2007 2:45:46 AM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ownedgirlie

Oops. Hi Level, I didn't see this and just posted the story a little while ago! Sorry! Great minds, though.

hey there, sweet lady.

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RE: Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/21/2007 3:50:20 AM

Rushemery

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I support this type of research i feel its better than them making new bombs

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RE: Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/21/2007 9:13:45 AM

kdsub

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I think it is great news but because something is possible does not make it practical or preferable. I think we need to cautiously go on with both lines of science until the best procedures win out.

Like Luckydog1 I hope researchers are regulated and aware of the dangers of this type research. I would hate for some nut to develop a procedure to stimulate new brain growth in stroke victims then we all start growing brains out our rear ends.
Butch

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RE: Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/21/2007 9:18:30 AM

ownedgirlie

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quote:

ORIGINAL: kdsub

I think it is great news but because something is possible does not make it practical or preferable. I think we need to cautiously go on with both lines of science until the best procedures win out.

This is what the article claims we are doing.

quote:

Like Luckydog1 I hope researchers are regulated and aware of the dangers of this type research. I would hate for some nut to develop a procedure to stimulate new brain growth in stroke victims then we all start growing brains out our rear ends.
Butch

I think there are some folks who could use that extra brain, but that's for a different thread, lol.

One of the current dangers is a higher susceptibility to cancer, so that is currently being studied and dealt with. I didn't read anything about Ass-Brain-Syndrome, although that's certainly a possibility!

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RE: Skin cells made to mimic stem cells - 11/21/2007 9:53:54 AM

kdsub

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Hi ownedgirlie

I’m just afraid that because there are preliminary results that look promising there will be a new rise in opposition to embryonic stem cell research…. just when benefits may be forthcoming.

I am all for the new procedures…even to replace embryonic procedures if they prove viable… I just hope people give this all some time and not overreact.

Butch

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